Nik Rowe | ExpatWoman.com
 

Nik Rowe

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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 September 2014 - 08:34
Thanks ladies for all your suggestions. I think we will do Bab Al Shams. Just out of interest, what is the seating like at Bab Al Shams and do they have a play area/activities for the kids?
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 September 2014 - 22:17
Thanks very much for your suggestions. Silvstet, the Ritz was apparently really good in the past, that is why we tried it last year. Our friends had been previously and came with us last year and said that the selection of alcohol had changed completely from good beers and wines to very cheap versions. The staff seemed like they had been hired just to work for Xmas Day. They had no idea what drinks were available, where anything was and were very slow with service. The food was also only average. For the price I would expect better. I am thinking that we will try either Raffles or Bab al Shams.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 September 2014 - 07:47
Thanks Polly, I have heard that Raffles is good however I would like some feedback from people who did brunch last year if possible. I know some people think it is too early to be considering Xmas brunch, however really don't want to book too late and miss out. Any other feedback would be great! TIA
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 September 2014 - 08:05
Can anybody recommend a good traditional Christmas brunch that is child friendly (children are 8, 4 and 2 years old)? We are looking for a brunch with great food, Xmas atmosphere, good quality drinks package and lots of children's activities. We went to the Ritz Carlton last year and were very underwhelmed. We want to book early I. Order to not miss out. I have read threads on the subject however most of them are quite old. TIA
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 July 2014 - 21:22
Borders at Mirdif has all of these and the bookshop in Motor City also has most of them.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 July 2014 - 21:21
We have the sofa and absolutely love it. It is easy to keep clean, wears really well and the cushions hold their shape. We purchased it at 25% off and we have only seen it on sale that one time. You could only get it in the mocha/chocolatey type color (I actually would have preferred a different color however at 25% off we couldn't pass it up).
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 June 2014 - 12:19
I would definitely go to RERA and ask their opinion. Landlords are trying absolutely anything at the moment to increase rents and they shouldn't be allowed to get away with it if they haven't conformed to the requirements of the law!! Makes me so angry!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 June 2014 - 12:08
An update from me! My husband went in person to the Rental Committee this morning and saw a lovely man named Bader (who from his own admission is very famous there?!) We were told in no uncertain terms that a landlord cannot change anything in a contract (amount, rental cheques etc) within the 90 day period. This is regardless of any email communications - this is a blanket rule. So basically the same thing as Diamante. My landlord emailed me yesterday trying a different excuse, this one being that he only had to give 60 days notice of changes. So I will send him another short email again today to advise him to either send us the unchanged contract or open a case with RERA.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 June 2014 - 17:26
Thanks for your replies. When we asked if there was a gift registry they said no and they are just happy to have our presence. Is it then rude to buy a gift from a cultural point of view? The budget I have been given is AED 5,000.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 June 2014 - 17:24
I'm confused now. The 20% is as per the rent calculator, however I was under the impression and from previous opinions that the 90 day law is iron clad. The law states that the landlord cannot make any changes to the contract unless 90 days notice prior to the expiry of the contract is given. This was not given, so I don't really understand how this is a grey area. Has anybody successfully taken a LL to the Rental Committee in reference to the 90 day law or is it more often in reference to the increase amount?
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 June 2014 - 16:19
I just wondered Izzy why you think it is okay for the landlord to increase the rent (which is a change) but not for us to request a change to number of cheques? Surely it is fair that if the rent was being increased, the landlord would agree to accept more cheques. Out of interest, are you a landlord yourself?
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 June 2014 - 16:09
I guess we will agree to disagree Izzy. I think the general consensus is that at the moment many landlords are trying to take advantage of the ridiculous rents being touted around Dubai and pull the wool over the eyes of their tenants. Agreement or no agreement on the figure, there was no final agreement on the full terms for the new contract, therefore I for one, am not going to be taken advantage of by an unscrupulous landlord who is trying is best to bend the law for his own gain. I would accept it if what he has tried to do is complying with the law, however it is not.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 June 2014 - 10:59
Yes, he can increase by 20%, I checked that. Although he did try 28%.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 June 2014 - 10:57
Going against the grain here.... but you agreed to the 20% increase so you should it all fairness stick to that. I don't believe we should stick to it. It is clear the landlord is trying to circumvent the law by trying to increase by 28% originally. He obviously knew he could only increase by 20% and just tried to see if he could get away with it. Then requesting one cheque is completely unfair. If people don't stand up to these landlords everybody is going to suffer in the end. He is not being fair by any means, so why should we play ball?
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 June 2014 - 10:43
Thank you everybody. I have just emailed him back. Will let you know the response (if any). How will I know if he opens a case with the Rental Committee? Do they inform me? Does it matter who registered the Ejari? Which, by the way, we did as he didn't bother.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 June 2014 - 10:13
Thank you for your input. The point I am mainly trying to clarify is that we don't want to accept any increase or change of cheques, due to the fact that he did not advise us 90 days prior to the expiry of contract. We are currently standing firm that he should not make ANY changes to the contract as he did not give the required notice. I just wondered what people's opinions were on the fact that I said the 20% increase was fine (via email and after telling him he could not increase by 28% as he initially tried to do!) however we had not agreed on the number of cheques. This was done prior to me knowing he had to give us 90 days notice. Is the email binding? Does this insinuate that we came to an "agreement" even though we didn't agree on the number of cheques and didn't sign any contract? Any further thoughts would be much appreciated.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 June 2014 - 09:57
We actually are not happy with the increase or the one cheque. We only said we were happy with the increase as we thought it was unavoidable. Now that we know he should have given us the 90 days notice we don't feel we should have to pay the increase or change the number of cheques. Last year he added that we pay 50% of the community fees and gave us no notice, we only saw it when we went to sign the contract. I now wish I had checked the law better previously. I guess I was just too trusting!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 June 2014 - 09:31
No he didn't accept the four cheques, he came back and said that he wanted one cheque and that was when we said that he had to adhere to the rule of advising any changes 90 days prior to the expiry of the contract. So no, we never agreed on the amount and the cheques.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 June 2014 - 09:19
Okay, so the saga continues. The landlord is now citing the "unless both parties have reached a different agreement" sentence. My next question is that when the landlord initially tried to increase the rent by 28%, I went back to him saying that he could only increase by maximum 20% and that this amount was fine with us, however we now wanted four cheques (I said this before I realised that he had to give us 90 days notice to make changes). However, he came back saying he now wanted one cheque and that was when I responded citing the 90 day rule. This exchange was via email. As I initially said the amount was fine via email (stupid me!), although we did not agree on the number of cheques, could this be construed as "both parties reaching a different agreement". Are the email communications (even though we didn't agree on ALL terms) legally binding? I want to go back to him and tell him that we have not reached a different agreement, therefore if he is he is unable to agree to providing us a new contract reflecting the same terms as the previous contract, that he is free to lodge a case with the Rental Committee. I want to also state that if we do not resolve the matter by the end of the lease we will deposit cheques (in accordance with the previous contract) directly with RERA. Can I please have your thoughts on the this email exchange and my plan to advise him he is free to lodge a case with RERA? Thanks so much - I just want this over and down with, it is so stressful! <em>edited by Nik Rowe on 17/06/2014</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 June 2014 - 17:34
Does anybody have any recommendations for a fun brunch with a party atmosphere? We are having a very rare day out without kids and would like to go somewhere that has good food and drink, music and a fun atmosphere. If there were vouchers in The Entertainer that would be even better. We were thinking of Saffron so any feedback on that would be appreciated along with any other suggestions. Thanks very much!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 June 2014 - 17:47
Don't you worry, I will sell the garden if it comes to that!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 June 2014 - 13:51
Niamh (Neve) at Ted Morgan Motor City. She did my hair for the first time yesterday and it is amazing!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 June 2014 - 13:43
Thank you everybody for the responses, it makes me feel a bit better. Yes, we did ask the landlord to do the garden and he was completely happy for us to do it. When we arrived it was sand and now it is lovely. Is it up to me to take it up with the Rent Committee or should I just advise him that if he is unable to provide us with a contract sticking to the previous terms we will have no option but to refer to the Rent Committee? Thanks again, I really appreciate the replies! <em>edited by Nik Rowe on 11/06/2014</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 January 2014 - 16:01
Can anybody recommend a good cleaning company for office premises (two floors / 100 staff) that can also supply an Office Assistant as part of the contract. I require an Office Assistant who can read, write and speak fluently in English, is proactive and well groomed. We do not have headcount to sponsor an Office Assistant hence we need to outsource. If anybody uses any good commercial cleaning companies recommendations would be appreciated as our current company is terrible! TIA
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 January 2014 - 15:15
Can anybody recommend a good cleaning company for office premises (two floors / 100 staff) that can also supply an Office Assistant as part of the contract. I require an Office Assistant who can read, write and speak fluently in English, is proactive and well groomed. We do not have headcount to sponsor an Office Assistant hence we need to outsource. If anybody uses any good commercial cleaning companies recommendations would be appreciated as our current company is terrible! TIA
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 December 2013 - 14:49
Thank you very much for the response. I actually need it tomorrow afternoon, so a bit short notice I'm afraid (I'm not very organized!) if you are going before that or even after that if you could let me know if you see one I would be very grateful. I'm looking for white. Thanks again!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 November 2013 - 22:20
Wellington DSO have announced on their Facebook page they are off tomorrow.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 November 2012 - 21:49
Thanks for the suggestions. I usually try to steer clear of Dubai Garden Centre due to the prices but I will definitely look there for mulch! Cherry Ripe, last time I was at Warsan I didn't see any although I wasn't particularly looking for it because we weren't at that stage with the garden then. I will go and have another look on the weekend. Any other ideas would be welcome too! Thanks ladies x
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 November 2012 - 21:46
Wow how many ladies from Perth are here!? I'm from Melbourne and we have a 6 year old and live in Victory Heights. We absolutely love it. There are pools, parks and a lovely quiet community feel. The large supermarket 5 mins up the road (Spinneys) is also great. I work in Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) and it is lovely too and a little closer to Sharjah. There is a new nursery opening in DSO called British Orchard Nursery which has a good reputation and there is also a good school (Wellington DSO). Your commute times to Sharjah also depend on how far into Sharjah your hubby will be working? Most of my colleagues from work live in Sharjah and drive to DSO. Good luck with your move and don't hesitate to ask if you have more questions. We have been here 5 years and LOVE living here! X
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 October 2012 - 19:26
Thanks Ashes. We are calling them tomorrow, we got their name from one of your previous posts. We want to compare a few quotes so any other recommendations would also be appreciated! Thank you....
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 March 2012 - 21:25
Thanks LuLee. I have just looked at a couple of random make up videos and then at some of the MissChevious ones and MissChevious is the best hands down. They are really detailed and very good for a beginner like me.... Thanks so much, I love them!!!! x
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 March 2012 - 20:42
Thanks so much, I will have a look at both!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 March 2012 - 23:19
I think I'd rather drink and wait four hours for a taxi than drive myself and not drink!!!! ;) Having said that, I'd also be keen to find out about a private driver service....
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 March 2012 - 23:13
Anne G - I know you must be soooo frustrated - but I love your story!!!! :) I would have been swearing, threatening to leave Dubai in the morning (for the thousandth time) etc etc. I think it is amazing that you can still write this post with so much humour.... Good luck with getting this done.... I think in the end you will have to find somewhere that does renewals in person.... Let me know, because I need to renew mine soon too.... and I'd like to keep my sanity! Great post! :)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 March 2012 - 13:45
Has anybody seen any short black lace or sheer gloves anywhere? I want to wear some short gloves with my outfit for Dubai World Cup - however I can't find any at all. I know it's a pretty specific request however any suggestions would be much appreciated! TIA x
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 March 2012 - 13:41
I love getting really dressed up too laurelm! I'm going over the top too.... I've got a gorgeous orange tailored dress, black fascinator with veil and I'm now looking for some short lace or sheer black gloves! I can't wait either!!! We have got Apron Views also - as mentioned earlier this is our first time, however we have been recommended Apron Views also... Hope you have a fab day!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 February 2012 - 09:33
I would say that most people don't go for the horses - especially here where betting is not allowed. People go because it is a fantastic social event, the atmosphere is amazing at the races and you can get dressed up. I love it because I get to wear a fascinator or hat, which I usually wouldn't have the opportunity to do. Thanks for the info ladies, I'm really getting excited about planning my outfit! X
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 February 2012 - 22:31
Annedxb - what a fantastic idea - I had never heard of these. I will get mine from the website you suggested - so thanks so much for the information. I've looked at some of the fashion photos on the internet and it looks much like the attire of most racing days worldwide - very glamorous - which is exactly what I hoped as I love to dress up! Thanks for all your replies, much appreciated! Now off the the shops tomorrow for some major retail therapy! X
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 February 2012 - 21:17
There are two "at home" products that I use... Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs - you can get this from Carrefour for around 60 AED and it is as SueB mentioned - body makeup. It is easy to apply and works really well - it always looks quite even and you can see what you are doing so you don't end up with streaks or orange areas that you can sometimes end up with after using fake tan - especially the ones that only process after a few hours. You also don't have the smell of fake tan - which I really don't like much. Soltan Beautiful Bronze - you can get this from Boots for around 70 AED. This is fake tan and you can get it in a cream or mousse - both much the same. This does color your skin as you put it on, so you can see how you are applying it, yet it also "processes" over a few hours. It has a slight shimmer in it also and I always get comments on the shimmery bit... You could also opt for a professional spray tan which always looks reasonably good too. I also recommend Essentials. If you are going with fake tan, make sure you exfoliate really well in areas with dry skin (knees, ankles, around under arms, elbows, wrists etc) prior to using the fake tan. Also be careful as it can stain your clothes if you get dressed straight afterwards. Always also remember to wash your hands really well if you apply it yourself - you don't want orange palms! You can't have a body scrub after the fake tan, as it will exfoliate off the tan. To keep the fake tan a few days longer, moisturise well in the days afterwards, it prolonges the tan by minimising the loss of dead/dry skin cells. I hope this helps a bit - a long post, however I have had a few fake tan disasters and there is nothing worse! Good luck.... :) <em>edited by Nik Rowe on 21/02/2012</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 February 2012 - 21:06
Thanks Chocs01 - you are a lifesaver.... As usual I'm completely unorganised and need to get this done tomorrow! Thanks again.... much appreciated! X
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 February 2012 - 20:57
Thanks Chocs01 - that's brilliant. Do I supply the t-shirt too? X
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 February 2012 - 21:29
Thanks again. I like the sound of the supermodel party too however 2,000 AED is over my budget. I think I might contact them and see if they do the Supermodel party for smaller numbers and what the cost may be. It sounds really nice and the photos look great. I like the fact that you can take your own food too. I don't think I read on the website the duration of the party though. Anyway, it would be good to get some feedback. When I contact them tomorrow I will post and let you know if they give me any additional information.... x
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 February 2012 - 20:53
Thanks for your feedback emlsnre. I have only a very small number - five in total. What was the food like that was provided and were you allowed to take your own snacks (ie. cake, chips and dip etc?) Also, did Mirdif only give one lane and one game? Thanks again....
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 February 2012 - 20:39
I haven't although it sounds like something my DD would like - I was going to do a bowling party.... I would love to hear any feedback also... Thanks so much!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 February 2012 - 20:37
I am thinking of having a ten pin bowling party for my DD's 6th birthday. Can you anybody advise which venue is the best between MOE and Ibn Battuta? Or any others? Also, are the bowling parties good and did your children enjoy them? TIA
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 November 2011 - 10:59
I know this is an old thread - however I wondered if there is still anybody around who would like to swap jigsaw puzzles. I have three 1,000 piece ones. Alternatively, does anybody know where to buy good jigsaw puzzles? TIA
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 November 2011 - 08:07
Thanks for your responses. I have tried two different credit cards and the same problem both times. I also tried to ring them to make the payment and they told me they don't take payments over the phone. To pay in person there is a charge of 10AED per fine. It seems to me that perhaps the website is not working so that people have problems paying and have to go in to pay the 10AED extra per fine. This place really frustrates me!!!! Is there anybody who has tried to make a payment online in the last week - I'd be interested to know if everybody is facing the same problem....
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 November 2011 - 08:04
Is anybody having trouble paying traffic fines on the Dubai Police website? I have been trying to pay for 4 days now and I keep getting an error message that "this card cannot be used for this transaction - traffic fines error" - or something similiar.... It is driving me crazy!!!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 November 2011 - 13:40
Does anybody know if you also get a discount on Salik fines? Do you need to go in person to avail the discount? I have checked online and mine don't appear to be discounted, however I had two fines in AD that are already discounted by 50% on the website..... TIA
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 November 2011 - 22:07
No, I haven't called DEWA. I'm going to go out and turn the tap in "the box" the other way just in case it isn't on.... If that doesn't work I guess I'll have to call DEWA!